Indochine
Historic Luang Prabang, Magical Halong Bay, and the Ancient Temples of Angkor Wat
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $4995 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 16 days |
| Arrive: | Luang Prabang, Laos |
| Depart: | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Lodging: | 14 nights deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 3 dinners |
| Activity: | Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations
|
Highlights
- Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers
- Angkor Wat, one of humankind’s most outstanding architectural achievements
- Hanoi, “Paris of the Orient,” breathtaking Halong Bay, charming Hoi An
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M.—Albuquerque NM
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, straw-roofed sampans drifting down tranquil rivers, ornate royal capitals, shy young monks draped in saffron-colored robes—our journey to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia brings us into an ancient world of stunning beauty and vibrant traditional cultures. We get a glimpse into daily life as we meet a mosaic of intriguing peoples in their villages, schools, homes, and temples, and discover irresistible settings like Luang Prabang in the heart of the old Lao kingdom, breathtaking Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and stunning rock formations, and Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 17th century trading port, now a World Heritage Site. Our journey ends at glorious Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century temples, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and explore villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes. On the afternoon of Day 4 we fly to Hanoi.
Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam
In this thousand-year-old city on the Red River, a bicycle rickshaw is the ideal way to explore the narrow streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. Our visits include the studio of a renowned Hanoi artist.
Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay
A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.
Days 8-9
Hue
In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the Dong Ba Market.
Days 10-12
Danang / Hoi An / Saigon
A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to the riverside town of Hoi An, an enchanting place where the sense of the past is ever present. We explore narrow streets with well-preserved 17th century architecture dating to the time when the town was a trading port in silk and porcelain, and sample delicious cao lau noodles, unique to Hoi An. On Day 12, discover intriguing Saigon.
Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
We explore Angkor Wat, a magnificent monument to Khmer civilization, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across a tropical landscape. Depart from Siem Reap on the afternoon of Day 16.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, or easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. Please note that you are visiting areas where tourism has been relatively limited. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.
Departures & Leaders
Nov 6-21, 2010 Max Holland
Dec 18, 2010-Jan 2, 2011 Mathew Smith
Jan 15-30, 2011 Mathew Smith
Feb 12-27, 2011 Mathew Smith
Nov 5-20, 2011
Dec 17, 2011-Jan 1, 2012
Dec 22, 2011-Jan 6, 2012
Jan 5-20, 2012
Feb 4-19, 2012
Tour Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2011
$4995 (14-16 members)
$5295 (11-13 members)
$5495 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $775 (subject to change)
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- accommodations
- meals (not including beverages) as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure; drinking water provided everywhere
- sightseeing as noted with entrance fees to sites and museums
- surface transportation in buses or vans
- land transportation, airport transfers for passengers arriving Day 1 and departing Day 16, and baggage handling
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal airfare/taxes within Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, beverages at group meals, international airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to/from Asia and any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Villa Santi Hotel
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Luang Prabang, Laos
A charming boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a formal royal residence situated in the heart of the old historic town just steps from the temples ...
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Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam
This landmark hotel is located adjacent to the Parisian-style Opera House in the heart of Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter and just steps from ...
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Private Junk
Day 7 (1 night), Halong Bay, Vietnam
Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
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Hotel Saigon Morin
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam
The elegant Hotel Saigon Morin, an early 20th century French hotel restored to its century-old glory, retains its legendary old world charm. Set on ...
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Hoi An Hotel
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam
The Hoi An Hotel, a French colonial-style hotel with well-maintained gardens, enjoys a location that can’t be beat—close to everything ...
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Caravelle Hotel
Day 12 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam
The chic Caravelle Hotel is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in the heart of Saigon’s lively downtown. It’s steeped ...
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Sofitel Royal Angkor Resort
Days 13 to 15 (3 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set among lovely gardens and ponds, the Royal Angkor will feel like an oasis of serenity after a full day exploring the temples of Angkor Wat. A ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Max Holland has been successfully developing and leading tours in Southeast Asia for us for since 1988. A native of the UK, Max moved first to Canada and then to the US, where he worked for many years as a project development engineer in both Michigan and California before settling in northern ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Mathew Smith, a former language teacher from the UK, went to Thailand to teach in 1987, fell in love with Southeast Asia, and met his future wife. He now lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and daughter. Fluent in Thai, Mathew is universally loved by trip members for his extraordinary knowledge of ...
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Client Comments
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M., Albuquerque NM
We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.Charlene H., Palm Springs CA
This was a memorable adventure that my husband and I will long remember. Thanks to WT for yet another outstanding trip. You really know how to run a good trip.Essie H., Santa Monica, CA
Our Trip Leader was outstanding. His extensive knowledge, charm, patience, and delightful sense of humor made for a memorable trip.Anne W., Riverside, CT
A great way to see three countries in 2.5 weeks. Very enjoyable and educational.Joseph L., Acampo, CA
Everything was great about this trip from start to finish.Tish P., Ashland, OR





